DOCSLIB.ORG

Population Dynamics of Alligator Gar in Choke Canyon Reservoir, Texas: Implications for Management

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Population Dynamics of Alligator Gar in Choke Canyon Reservoir, Texas: Implications for Management Population Dynamics of Alligator Gar in Choke Canyon Reservoir, Texas: Implications for Management Greg R. Binion, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Inland Fisheries District 1E, P.O. Box 116, Mathis, TX 78368 Daniel J. Daugherty, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center, 5103 Junction Hwy., Mountain Home, TX 78058 Kristopher A. Bodine, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center, 5103 Junction Hwy., Mountain Home, TX 78058 Abstract: Historical eradication efforts, increasing fishing pressure, and growing anthropogenic impacts have resulted in decreased abundance or ex- tirpation of the alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) throughout much of its historic distribution. Current population status has prompted states to actively manage stocks; however, efforts are hindered by a lack of data necessary to make informed management decisions. To begin addressing these data needs, we investigated alligator gar population dynamics and exploitation in Choke Canyon Reservoir, Texas. A total of 754 fish (total length [TL] range, 678 to 2275 mm) was collected with multifilament gill nets from 2008 through 2013; 656 individuals collected from 2011 through 2013 were tagged and released as part of a mark-recapture study to estimate abundance and exploitation. Alligator gar age ranged from 0 to 27 yrs. Growth in length followed a typical von Bertalanffy function with greatest growth occurring through age 5, then considerably slowing among older age classes. Growth in weight, per unit length, was greatest in fish ≥ 1700 mm TL. Length-at-age of females was significantly greater than male length-at-age; TL of female fish was about 278 mm greater than male fish of the same age. Adult alligator gar (TL ≥ 1100 mm) abundance was estimated at 5437 (95% CI; 3215 to 9195) individuals, conferring a density of 0.5 (0.3 to 0.9) fish ha –1 at conservation pool. Annual exploitation based on tag returns was less than 3%; bowfishing tournament data indicated a bow angler harvest rate of 0.01–0.02 fish angler hour–1. Results of our study provide important information for the management of alligator gar populations in Texas and throughout its distribution. Key words: Atractosteus spatula, abundance, exploitation, age structure, growth Journal of the Southeastern Associated of Fish and Wildlife Agencies 2:57–63 The alligator gar Atractosteus( spatula) is among North Amer- Florida is declining, and population status in the remaining seven ica’s most ancient, distinctive, and historically disliked fishes states is currently unknown. As a result, the American Fisheries (Scarnecchia 1992). Recreational anglers have long viewed alliga- Society (AFS) recently identified the alligator gar as “vulnerable” tor gar as direct competitors for preferred game fishes, and com- (Jelks et al. 2008). mercial fishers considered their large body size, bony scales, and In contrast to the historic aversion toward alligator gar, attitudes prominent teeth significant threats to fishing gears (O’Connell et and opinions have changed in recent decades. Their large body al. 2007). The unfavorable opinions of anglers were historically size, predatory nature, and distinctive characteristics have become shared by fisheries managers, and efforts to eradicate gars (Lepi- desirable trophy attributes (Scarnecchia 1992), and hook-and-line sosteidae) were undertaken for a century or more (Scarnecchia and bow fishing for alligator gar have become popular (Ross et al. 1992). The success of these removal efforts, coupled with increased 2001). Increased interest in alligator gar angling, as well as support loss of critical habitat in aquatic systems, resulted in decreased for maintaining biodiversity in aquatic ecosystems (O’Connell et abundance or extirpation of alligator gar throughout much of its al. 2007), have resulted in efforts to actively manage alligator gar native range (e.g., Gilbert 1992, Etnier and Starnes 1993, Ross et al. populations. Seven states have imposed fishing regulations that re- 2001). Damming of rivers and riparian development reduced the strict or prohibit harvest. availability of vegetated, littoral habitats believed to provide suit- Despite increased interest in managing alligator gar popula- able spawning areas (Pringle et al. 2000, O’Connell et al. 2007). tions, fisheries managers know relatively little about population Currently, of the 14 states known to historically support popula- dynamics and biology of this species compared to other fishes. tions of alligator gar, the species is considered extremely rare or While current regulations are based on the best available science, extirpated from six (Jelks et al. 2008). Abundance of alligator gar in data needed to properly manage the species are lacking. Informa- 2015 JSAFWA 57 Population Dynamics of Alligator Gar in Texas Reservoir Binion et al. 58 tion on population dynamics, life history, and exploitation is need- lected during 2011 through 2013 were tagged with an external ed to better manage alligator gar stocks. Therefore, we began to T-bar anchor tag (model FD-94; Floy Tag, Seattle, Washington) at address these data needs in Choke Canyon Reservoir, Texas. Our the lateral base of the dorsal fin and a passive integrated transpon- objectives were to: 1) estimate adult abundance, 2) quantify exploi- der (PIT; model HPT9; Biomark, Boise, Idaho) at the posterior base tation, and 3) describe age structure, size structure, and length- of the dorsal fin, measured (TL), and scanned for previous marks. weight relationships. The results of our study will provide impor- To facilitate angler reporting of tagged fish, T-bar tags included tant information for the management of alligator gar populations TPWD contact information. Weight was also recorded for a sub- in Texas and throughout its distribution. sample of fish (up to 10 per 100-mm TL group) using a 100-kg digi- tal scale. To minimize the potential for immediate recapture, fish Methods were transported approximately 200 m away from the sampling site Study Site following processing and released. Incidental alligator gar mortali- Choke Canyon Reservoir is a 10,517-ha impoundment of the ties were recorded, measured (TL), and otoliths extracted for age Frio River located in McMullen and Live Oak counties, Texas. The and growth analyses. Gender of sacrificed fish and incidental mor- reservoir was created in 1982 to provide water storage and recre- talities was recorded based on internal examination of the gonads ational opportunities. Maximum depth of the reservoir is about as described by Ferrara and Irwin (2001). 29 m, with annual water-level fluctuations ranging from 3 to 4.5 m (Texas Parks and Wildlife Department [TPWD], unpublished Data Analyses data). The reservoir supports fisheries for largemouth bass (Mi- Population Abundance. Adult alligator gar abundance was cropterus salmoides) and catfishes (Ictaluridae), and is a popular estimated using the POPAN formulation (Schwarz and Arnason destination among bow anglers. Alligator gar are currently man- 1996) of the Jolly-Seber model in Program MARK (Cooch and aged with a one-fish daily bag in all Texas waters. White 2014). We used Jolly-Seber because the data best met the assumptions of an open population model (i.e., the population was Fish Collections demographically open during the study period). We considered We used multifilament gill nets to collect alligator gar annually each year of the mark-recapture study a sampling occasion (n = 3). during April through August from 2008 through 2013. Gill nets We limited our inference to the adult population given the gill- were 61-m long, 3-m deep, and constructed of 19-mm foam-core net mesh sizes used selected for fish ≥ 1100 mm (Figure 1), which float line, #21 black-twine mesh, and a 9-kg lead line. Typically, corresponds to the TL at the onset of reproductive maturity (Fer- one to three individual nets with bar-mesh sizes ranging from 89 rara 2001). The abundance estimate was then used to estimate fish to 128 mm were deployed about each sampling site. Sampling sites density, expressed as the population estimate divided by the reser- ranged in depth from 2 to 4 m, and were concentrated in tributary voir surface area at full pool. Annual mean catch-per-unit-effort arms, on main-lake coves, and on main-lake flats, primarily in the (CPUE; fish h-1) was calculated in 2011–2013 using the mean of upper half of the reservoir. All sampling sites were subjectively se- lected and concentrated in areas where alligator gar surface activity was observed. One or two additional nets with bar-mesh sizes of 140 and 152 mm were also set when catch rates were low (e.g., < 1 fish h–1) in attempt to increase catch. Each net was fished so that the float line remained visible on the water surface with four to five buoy-style PVC floats attached. Alligator gar entangled in the nets commonly submersed the float line or floats, facilitating visual -ob servation of fish capture. Gill nets were monitored continuously to allow for rapid removal, processing, and release (if applicable) of captured fish. Upon indication of capture, the net was lifted, fish were removed, and the net reset. Fish collections from 2008 through 2010 occurred with minimal fishing effort as alligator gar were collected solely for age and growth analysis; fish were measured for total length (TL), Figure 1. Total length distribution of alligator gar collected in Choke Canyon Reser- weighed (kg), sacrificed, and sagittal otoliths extracted. Fish col- voir, Texas, adjusted for gear selectivity. 2015 JSAFWA Population Dynamics of Alligator Gar in Texas Reservoir Binion et al. 59 the ratios approach (Pollock et al. 1994). Fishing effort was not recorded in years 2008–2010. Results A total of 754 alligator gar (total length [TL] range, 678 to Exploitation. Voluntary angler tag return data was used to 2275 mm; Figure 1) were collected during the study period. From calculate annual exploitation rates by dividing the number of tags 2011 through 2013, 656 fish were tagged and released as part of the returned by the total number of tagged fish at large.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Tennessee Fish Species
    The Angler’s Guide To TennesseeIncluding Aquatic Nuisance SpeciesFish Published by the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Cover photograph Paul Shaw Graphics Designer Raleigh Holtam Thanks to the TWRA Fisheries Staff for their review and contributions to this publication. Special thanks to those that provided pictures for use in this publication. Partial funding of this publication was provided by a grant from the United States Fish & Wildlife Service through the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force. Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency Authorization No. 328898, 58,500 copies, January, 2012. This public document was promulgated at a cost of $.42 per copy. Equal opportunity to participate in and benefit from programs of the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency is available to all persons without regard to their race, color, national origin, sex, age, dis- ability, or military service. TWRA is also an equal opportunity/equal access employer. Questions should be directed to TWRA, Human Resources Office, P.O. Box 40747, Nashville, TN 37204, (615) 781-6594 (TDD 781-6691), or to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Office for Human Resources, 4401 N. Fairfax Dr., Arlington, VA 22203. Contents Introduction ...............................................................................1 About Fish ..................................................................................2 Black Bass ...................................................................................3 Crappie ........................................................................................7
    [Show full text]
  • Gar (Lepisosteidae)
    Indiana Division of Fish and Wildlife’s Animal Information Series Gar (Lepisosteidae) Gar species found in Indiana waters: -Longnose Gar (Lepisosteus osseus) -Shortnose Gar (Lepisosteus platostomus) -Spotted Gar (Lepisosteus oculatus) -Alligator Gar* (Atractosteus spatula) *Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula) Alligator gar were extirpated in many states due to habitat destruction, but now they have been reintroduced to their old native habitat in the states of Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, and Kentucky. Because they have been stocked into the Ohio River, there is a possibility that alligator gar are either already in Indiana or will be found here in the future. Alligator gar are one of the largest freshwater fishes of North America and can reach up to 10 feet long and weigh 300 pounds. Alligator gar are passive, solitary fishes that live in large rivers, swamps, bayous, and lakes. They have a short, wide snout and a double row of teeth on the upper jaw. They are ambush predators that eat mainly fish but have also been seen to eat waterfowl. They are not, however, harmful to humans, as they will only attack an animal that they can swallow whole. Photo Credit: Duane Raver, USFWS Other Names -garpike, billy gar -Shortnose gar: shortbill gar, stubnose gar -Longnose gar: needlenose gar, billfish Why are they called gar? The Anglo-Saxon word gar means spear, which describes the fishes’ long spear-like appearance. The genus name Lepisosteus contains the Greek words lepis which means “scale” and osteon which means “bone.” What do they look like? Gar are slender, cylindrical fishes with hard, diamond-shaped and non-overlapping scales.
    [Show full text]
  • Ecology of the Alligator Gar, Atractosteusspatula, in the Vicente G1;Jerreroreservoir, Tamaulipas, Mexico
    THE SOUTHWESTERNNATURALIST 46(2):151-157 JUNE 2001 ECOLOGY OF THE ALLIGATOR GAR, ATRACTOSTEUSSPATULA, IN THE VICENTE G1;JERRERORESERVOIR, TAMAULIPAS, MEXICO .-., FRANCISCO J. GARCiA DE LEON, LEONARDO GoNzALEZ-GARCiA, JOSE M. HERRERA-CAsTILLO, KIRK O. WINEMILLER,* AND ALFONSO BANDA-VALDES Laboratorio de Biologia lntegrativa, lnstituto Tecnol6gicode Ciudad Victoria, Boulevard Emilio Fortes Gil1301, Ciudad Victoria, CP 87010, Tamaulipas, Mexico (F]GL, LGG,]MHC) Department of Wildlife and FisheriesSciences, Texas A&M University, CollegeStation, TX 77843-2258 (KO~ Direcci6n Generalde Pescadel Gobiernodel Estado de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, Mexico (ABV) * Correspondent:[email protected] ABsTRACf-We provide the first ecological account of the alligator gar, Atractosteusspatula, in the Vicente Guerrero Reservoir, Tamaulipas, Mexico. During March to September, 1998, the local fishery cooperative captured more than 23,000 kg of alligator gar from the reservoir. A random sample of their catch was dominated by males, which were significantly smaller than females. Males and females had similar weight-length relationships. Relative testicular weight varied little season- ally, but relative ovarian weight showed a strong seasonal pattern that indicated peak spawning activity during July and August. Body condition of both sexes also varied in a pattern consistent with late summer spawning. Fishing for alligator gar virtually ceased from October to February, when nonreproductive individuals were presumed to move offshore to deeper water. Alligator gar fed primarily on largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides,and less frequently on other fishes. The gillnet fishery for alligator gar in the reservoir appears to be based primarily on individuals that move into shallow, shoreline areas to spawn. Males probably remain in these habitats longer than females.
    [Show full text]
  • Life History and Status of Alligator Gar Atractosteus Spatula, with Recommendations for Management
    Life History and Status of Alligator Gar Atractosteus spatula, with Recommendations for Management Prepared by: David L. Buckmeier Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Inland Fisheries Division 5103 Junction Highway Mountain Home, TX 78058 July 31, 2008 Alligator gar Atractosteus spatula is the largest freshwater fish in Texas and one of the largest species in North America, yet has received little attention from anglers or fisheries managers. Although gars (family Lepisosteidae) have long been considered a threat to sport fishes in the United States (summarized by Scarnecchia 1992), attitudes are changing. Recreational fisheries for alligator gar are increasing, and anglers from around the world now travel to Texas for the opportunity to catch a trophy. Because little data exist, it is unknown how current exploitation is affecting size structure and abundance of alligator gar in Texas. In many areas, alligator gar populations are declining (Robinson and Buchanan 1988; Etnier and Starnes 1993; Pflieger 1997; Ferrara 2001). Concerns by biologists and anglers about alligator gar populations in Texas have led the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to consider management options for this species. In addition to this review, the TPWD has recently initiated several studies to learn more about Texas alligator gar populations. The purposes of this document are to 1) summarize alligator gar life history and ecology, 2) assess alligator gar status and management activities throughout their range, and 3) make recommendations for future alligator gar management in Texas. Life History In the United States, alligator gar spawn from April through June (Etnier and Starnes 1993; Ferrara 2001), coinciding with seasonal flooding of bottomland swamps (Suttkus 1963).
    [Show full text]
  • Family Lepisosteidae (Gars)
    Invasive Species Fact Sheet Gar, Family Lepisosteidae General Description Gars are large, freshwater fish belonging to the Lepisosteidae family, which consists of 7 species of gar: alligator, Cuban, Florida, longnose, shortnose, spotted, and tropical. Gars have long, cylindrical bodies covered in hard, shiny, diamond-shaped Alligator gar (Atractosteus spatula) scales. Their dorsal and anal fins sit far back on the body, Photo by South Carolina Department of Natural Resources near the tail. They have slender snouts with sharp, needle- like teeth. Gars are generally green to brown in color on their top and sides and white to yellow on their bellies; some species have spots on their bodies and/or fins. The different species of gar can be distinguished by snout length, number of rows of teeth, and the amount and location of spots. Depending on the species, adult gar range from 1 to over 9 feet long. The largest species of gar, the alligator gar, has been reported to grow up to 10 feet and weigh 350 lbs. Current Distribution Gars are not currently found in California. Alligator gars have been collected in California waters on a few occasions, but these fish were likely the result of aquarium releases. Five of the seven gar species are native to the United States. Spotted gars (Lepisosteus oculatus) confiscated Gars are currently found within and outside of their native ranges in by CDFW wardens the United States from the Great Lakes basin in the north, south Photo by CDFW through the Mississippi River drainage to Texas, Mexico, and Florida. Florida gars are only found in Florida and Georgia.
    [Show full text]
  • Trends in Selected Streamflow Statistics at 19 Long-Term Streamflow-Gaging Stations Indicative of Outflows from Texas to Arkansas, Louisiana, Galveston Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico, 1922
    PreparedPrepared inin cooperationcooperation withwith thethe TexasTexas WaterWater DevelopmentDevelopment BoardBoard TrendsTrends inin SelectedSelected StreamflowStreamflow StatisticsStatistics atat 1919 Long-TermLong-Term Streamflow-GagingStreamflow-Gaging StationsStations IndicativeIndicative ofof OutflowsOutflows fromfrom TexasTexas toto Arkansas,Arkansas, Louisiana,Louisiana, GalvestonGalveston Bay,Bay, andand thethe GulfGulf ofof Mexico,Mexico, 1922–20091922–2009 Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5182 Revised September 2012 U.S. Department of the Interior U.S. Geological Survey Background, Looking towards the right bank of the Sabine River during a flood measurement at stream- flow-gaging station 08030500 - Sabine River near Ruliff, Texas, on October 23, 2006. Photograph by Doug McGhee, U.S. Geological Survey. Front cover: Left, Discharge measurement at streamflow-gaging station 08117500 - San Bernard River near Boling, Texas. Photograph by Mac Cherry, U.S. Geological Survey on April 1, 2007. Right, Gage shelter raised above 200-year flood-plain level at 08114000 - Brazos River at Richmond, Texas, January 15, 2007. Photograph by Joe Stuart, U.S. Geological Survey. Back cover: Left, U.S. Geological Survey streamflow-gaging station 08475000 - Rio Grande near Brownsville, Texas, August 18, 2010. Photograph by Jaimie Ingold, U.S. Geological Survey. Right, Gage shelter and wire-weight gage at 08041000 - Neches River near Evadale, Texas. Photograph by Joe Stuart, November 17, 2006. Trends in Selected Streamflow Statistics at 19 Long-Term Streamflow-Gaging Stations Indicative of Outflows from Texas to Arkansas, Louisiana, Galveston Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico, 1922–2009 By Dana L. Barbie and Loren L. Wehmeyer Prepared in cooperation with the Texas Water Development Board Scientific Investigations Report 2012–5182 Revised September 2012 U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Fine Structure of the Gas Bladder of Alligator Gar, Atractosteus Spatula Ahmad Omar-Ali1, Wes Baumgartner2, Peter J
    www.symbiosisonline.org Symbiosis www.symbiosisonlinepublishing.com International Journal of Scientific Research in Environmental Science and Toxicology Research Article Open Access Fine Structure of the Gas Bladder of Alligator Gar, Atractosteus spatula Ahmad Omar-Ali1, Wes Baumgartner2, Peter J. Allen3, Lora Petrie-Hanson1* 1Department of Basic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA 2Department of Pathobiology and Population Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA 3Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Aquaculture, College of Forest Resources, Mississippi State University, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA Received: 1 November, 2016; Accepted: 2 December, 2016 ; Published: 12 December, 2016 *Corresponding author: Lora Petrie-Hanson, Associate Professor, College of Veterinary Medicine, 240 Wise Center Drive PO Box 6100, Mississippi State, MS 39762, USA, Tel: +1-(601)-325-1291; Fax: +1-(662)325-1031; E-mail: [email protected] Lepisosteidae includes the genera Atractosteus and Lepisosteus. Abstract Atractosteus includes A. spatula (alligator gar), A. tristoechus Anthropogenic factors seriously affect water quality and (Cuban gar), and A. tropicus (tropical gar), while Lepisosteus includes L. oculatus (spotted gar), L. osseus (long nose gar), L. in the Mississippi River and the coastal estuaries. Alligator gar platostomus (short nose gar), and L. platyrhincus (Florida gar) (adversely affect fish )populations. inhabits these Agricultural waters andrun-off is impactedaccumulates by Atractosteus spatula [2,6,7]. Atractosteus are distinguishable from Lepisosteus by agricultural pollution, petrochemical contaminants and oil spills. shorter, more numerous gill rakers and a more prominent accessory organ. The gas bladder, or Air Breathing Organ (ABO) of second row of teeth in the upper jaw [2].
    [Show full text]
  • Fish Species Management Plan for Alligator Gar (Atractosteus Spatula) in Illinois
    Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Resource Conservation Division of Fisheries Fish Species Management Plan for Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula) in Illinois The last vouchered Alligator Gar collected in Illinois waters (Cache-Mississippi R Diversion Channel - 1966) Courtesy of Brooks Burr Fish Species Management Plan for Alligator Gar (Atractosteus spatula) in Illinois April, 2017 Rob Hilsabeck District 4 Fisheries Biologist Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Resource Conservation Division of Fisheries Trent Thomas Region III Streams Biologist Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Resource Conservation Division of Fisheries Nathan Grider Impact Assessment Section Biologist Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Realty and Environmental Planning Division of Ecosystems and Environment Michael McClelland Rivers, Reservoirs, and Inland Waters Program Manager Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Resource Conservation Division of Fisheries Dan Stephenson Chief of Fisheries Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Resource Conservation Division of Fisheries ii Table of Contents Introduction………………………………………….………...............…………1 Historical Distribution……………..………………….…………...............……..1 Life History and Ecological Information…….……....………................…...…...2 Characteristics……………………………….………...............…………2 Diet ………………………………………….………...............…………3 Reproduction ……………………….……….………...............…………3 Causes of Decline………………………………………….................…………..3
    [Show full text]
  • Primer Designs for Identification and Environmental DNA (Edna)
    Transactions of the American Fisheries Society © 2018 American Fisheries Society ISSN: 0002-8487 print / 1548-8659 online DOI: 10.1002/tafs.10043 SPECIAL SECTION: ANGLING FOR DINOSAURS Primer Designs for Identification and Environmental DNA (eDNA) Detection of Gars Nicole J. Farley and Adrian A. Vasquez Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA Richard Kik IV Belle Isle Aquarium, c/o Belle Isle Conservancy, 300 River Place Drive, Suite 2800, Detroit, Michigan 48207, USA Solomon R. David Nicholls State University, 906 East 1st Street, 112 Beauregard Hall, Thibodaux, Louisiana 70310, USA Arjun S. Katailiha Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA Xavier N. Walker Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA Jeffrey L. Ram* Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA; and Belle Isle Aquarium, c/o Belle Isle Conservancy, 300 River Place Drive, Suite 2800, Detroit, Michigan 48207, USA Abstract Gars (family Lepisosteidae) play important roles as apex predators in freshwater ecosystems, helping to balance fish populations. Several gar species are exploited as food and game fish, and some species are classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss. New molecular techniques to detect, monitor, and identify environmental DNA (eDNA) from gars might help inform management and conservation efforts for these interesting fish. The goal of this project was to develop and test PCR primers for gars, using specimens of all seven gar species, which are on exhibit at the Belle Isle Aquarium in Detroit, Michigan. Focusing on the mitochondrial gene for cytochrome oxidase I, we first designed pri- mers to amplify DNA from all species of gars (“universal gar primers”) and confirmed their specificity in silico.
    [Show full text]
  • Fish Overview
    The Toledo Zoo/ThinkingWorks Teacher Overview for the Fish Lessons Ó2003 Teacher Overview: Fish Fish have many traits that are unique to this particular class of animals. Below is a list of general fish traits to help you and your students complete the ThinkingWorks menu. This lesson focuses on typical fish that most people are familiar with, not on atypical fish such as seahorses. Fish are divided into three groups or classes, each with its own set of features. These classes include the bony fish (e.g., tuna and bass), cartilaginous fish (e.g., sharks and rays) and jawless fish (e.g., lampreys). We have included a list of the different fish found at The Toledo Zoo. Most of the fish are found in the Aquarium but there are also fish in the Diversity of Life. Note that animals move constantly in and out of the Zoo so the list below may be inaccurate. Please call the Zoo for a current list of fish that are on exhibit and their locations. Typical Fish Traits Lightweight, strong scales Lateral line for detecting for protection changes in turbulence along a fish as well as changes in water pressure Gas bladder for buoyancy, stability (internal) Symmetrical tail for Most fish have a well powerful swimming developed eye for locating prey, detecting predators and finding a mate. Flexible “lips” for picking up food Gills for extracting oxygen from the water Maneuverable, paired fins for Lightweight, strong moving forward and controlling skeleton for support roll, pitch and yaw q Fish are cold-blooded, obtaining heat from the surrounding water.
    [Show full text]
  • An Archaeological Survey of a Portion of the Choke Canyon Reservoir Area in Mcmullen and Live Oak Counties, Texas
    Volume 1981 Article 21 1981 An Archaeological Survey of a Portion of the Choke Canyon Reservoir Area in McMullen and Live Oak Counties, Texas Alston V. Thoms Department of Anthropology, Texas A&M University, [email protected] John L. Montgomery Center for Archaeological Research Alice W. Portnoy Center for Archaeological Research Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/ita Part of the American Material Culture Commons, Archaeological Anthropology Commons, Environmental Studies Commons, Other American Studies Commons, Other Arts and Humanities Commons, Other History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology Commons, and the United States History Commons Tell us how this article helped you. Cite this Record Thoms, Alston V.; Montgomery, John L.; and Portnoy, Alice W. (1981) "An Archaeological Survey of a Portion of the Choke Canyon Reservoir Area in McMullen and Live Oak Counties, Texas," Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State: Vol. 1981, Article 21. https://doi.org/ 10.21112/ita.1981.1.21 ISSN: 2475-9333 Available at: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/ita/vol1981/iss1/21 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Center for Regional Heritage Research at SFA ScholarWorks. It has been accepted for inclusion in Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State by an authorized editor of SFA ScholarWorks. For more information, please contact [email protected]. An Archaeological Survey of a Portion of the Choke Canyon Reservoir Area in McMullen and Live Oak Counties, Texas Creative Commons License This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License This article is available in Index of Texas Archaeology: Open Access Gray Literature from the Lone Star State: https://scholarworks.sfasu.edu/ita/vol1981/iss1/21 l r'--../ I, , I i' / AN ARCH'AEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF A PORTION OF THE I.
    [Show full text]
  • 1991 HDR-Etal Region
    Regional Water Supply Planning Study - Phase I Nueces River Basin Volume II - - --- / ------ --- / Technical Report ---- / / I I / I I / I i I I I I I I Nueces River I Authority CHOKE CANYON City of RESERVOIR Corpus Christi Edwards Underground Water District South Texas Water Authority NUECES Texas Water ESTUARY Development Board HOR Engineering, Inc. r r REGIONAL WATER SUPPLY PLANNING STUDY r NUECES RIVER BASIN r r VOLUME II ·TECHNICAL REPORT r r Prepared for r Nueces River Authority City of Corpus Christi Edwards Underground Water District r South Texas Water Authority r Texas Water Development Board r r by r HDR Engineering, Inc. and r Geraghty & Miller, Inc. r r May, 1991 r (_ IDWARDS UNDERGROUND WATER r DlSTRlCT LIBRARY r r r Advisory Committee Participants r for Regional Water Supply Planning Study r Nueces River Basin r Nueces River Authority r •con Mims City of Corpus Christi r Victor Medina Jim Riley r Paul Werner Edwards Underground Water District r Russell Masters Greg Rothe r South Texas Water Authority Tom Brown r\... r Texas Water Development Board Gordon Thom rt HOR Engineering. Inc. Kenneth Choffel r Herb Grubb James K. (Ken) Haney r Samuel Kent Vaugh r r *Committee Coordinator ~ \ l r r VOLUME II - TECHNICAL REPORT r TABLE OF CONTENTS r SECTION PAGE 1.0 INTR.ODUCTION .... , . • . • • . • . • 1-1 1.1 Description of Nueces River Basin • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1-3 r 1.2 Previous Hydrologic and Water Supply Studies • • • • • • • • • 1-4 1.3 Other Considerations of Recharge Enhancement • ·••••••• 1-5 r 1.4 Study Objectives • • • . • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 1-6 2.0 WATER USE AND WATER RIGHTS · • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2-1 2.1 Historical Surface Water Use • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2-1 r 2.2 Water Rights .
    [Show full text]